Ice Saints Eisheiligen Alta Badia. Celebrating the last frost in the Alps before summer.

The Ice Saints – die Eisheiligen.

When the last cold days mark the arrival of summer.

In Alta Badia, between May 11 and 15, an alpine tradion comes to life: the Ice Saints – die Eisheiligen. According to local belief, this is a time of final frosts before summer begins.

Altough often referred to as the “Three Ice Saints”, there are actually five: Saint Pancras (Pankratius), Saint Servatius (Servatius), Saint Boniface (Bonifatius) – and in Alta Badia also Saint Sofia (die kalte “Sophia”, “cold Sofia”) on May 15, along with Saint Mamerstus (Mamertus), celebrated mainly in Northern Germany. This tradition is well knows across South Tyrol, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.

From frosty nights to summer awakening

According to farming lore, the day begins at sunset. So from the evening of May 11 to May 15, the Ice Saints – also called “Saints of the Last Frost” – are honored.

For example, Saint Mamertus is celebrated until sunset on May 11, after which Saint Pancras takes over. On the final day, Saint Sophia is honored from the evening of May 14 to the next evening.

Frostly nights are still possible during this period, which is why Alpine farmers traditionally avoid planting until cold Sophia has passed. Only then does summer truly begin, and nature awakens in all its glory.

From that moment on, the summer season officially begins.

The Ice Saints – or the Last Cold Days

Here are some traditional sayings associated with the days between May 11 and 15, know in the Alpine world as the Ice Saints – Die Eisheiligen, or the Cold Saints.

May, 11th: Mamerz hat ein kaltes Herz. (Sait Mamertus has a cold heart).
May, 12th: Wenns an Pankratius friert, so wird im Garten viel ruiniert. (If it freezes on Saint Pancras’ day, your garden may be ruined).
May, 13th: Servaz muss vorüber sein, willst vor Nachtfrost sicher sein (Wait until Servatius has passed if you want to be safe from night frosts).
May, 14th: Vor Bonifaz kein Sommer, nach Sophie kein Frost. (No summer before Saint Boniface, no frost after Sophie).
May, 15th: Vor Nachfrost du nicht sicher bist – bis Sophie vorüber ist. (You’re not safe until Sophie has passed).

Summer 2026 in Alta Badia. A season of Nature and Tradition.

With the blessing of the Ice Saints, summer officially begins in Alta Badia.
The Alta Badia summer lifts will be open from June 13th – to October 4th, 2026.

At Hotel Sassongher in Corvara, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, we’re ready to welcome you for a season of pure relaxation, cultural discovery, and the timeless charm of Alpine traditions – all within the comfort of our exclusive five-star hospitality.

Hotel Sassongher Summer season opening: June 19, 2026

Join us to experience the magic of summer in the Dolomites – UNESCO World Heritage.

Hotel Sassongher
Corvara, Alta Badia
South Tyrol- Dolomites, Italy

ph: +39.0471.836085